Unmasking Apple: Mac Studio Lies Exposed in M1 Ultra vs 12900K RTX 3090 PC

Unmasking Apple: Mac Studio Lies Exposed in M1 Ultra vs 12900K RTX 3090 PC

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Differences between Mac and PC
3. Performance Comparison: Speedometer 2.0 Test
4. Performance Comparison: Cinebench and Geekbench
5. Graphics Performance: GPU Comparison
6. Performance Comparison: 3D Rendering
7. Performance Comparison: Photo Editing
8. Performance Comparison: Video Editing
9. Final Verdict: Mac vs PC
10. Pros and Cons of Mac and PC

Introduction

In this article, we will settle the age-old debate of which is faster: Mac or PC. We will conduct a comprehensive performance comparison between a custom-built Water-cooled PC with an Intel 12900K and an RTX 3090, and the Mac Studio that Apple showcased at their event. We will not only rely on benchmarks but also evaluate real-world tests such as coding, 3D rendering, video editing, and photo editing. By the end of this article, You will have a clear understanding of the performance capabilities of both systems and which one suits your needs best.

Key Differences between Mac and PC

Before we dive into the performance comparison, it's important to understand the key differences between a standard PC and the Mac Studio. The PC is a standard tower, providing expandability and the ability to customize the hardware components. On the other HAND, the Mac Studio is incredibly compact, allowing for portability. Another notable difference is the availability of ports. While the PC can be equipped with various ports, the Mac Studio comes with six Thunderbolt ports, 10Gig Ethernet, and an SD card reader.

Performance Comparison: Speedometer 2.0 Test

To evaluate the overall speed and responsiveness of the Mac Studio and the custom-built PC, we conducted the Speedometer 2.0 test. The PC scored an impressive 290, indicating its Snappy performance. However, the Mac Studio surpassed it with a score of 300. It is important to note that the Mac Studio's M1 Ultra processor showcased incredible single-core performance, outperforming the PC's Intel 12900K. On the other hand, the PC outperformed the Mac Studio in multi-core tests, indicating its superiority in handling a variety of quick tasks.

Performance Comparison: Cinebench and Geekbench

To assess the raw performance of the CPU, we conducted the Cinebench and Geekbench tests. The PC's Intel 12900K outperformed the Mac Studio's M1 Ultra in both tests, scoring higher in terms of raw performance. However, it is worth mentioning that the PC consumed more power and generated more heat due to its high-performance Intel chip. The Mac Studio, powered by Apple Silicon, demonstrated impressive performance in coding tasks, even beating the Mac Pro with a much higher price tag.

Graphics Performance: GPU Comparison

To compare the graphics performance of the Mac Studio and the PC, we evaluated their respective GPUs. The Mac Studio boasts a 64-Core version of the M1 Ultra, while the PC is equipped with an RTX 3090 with 24 gigabytes of dedicated memory. The Mac Studio scored 233,000 points in the CUDA score benchmark, whereas the PC scored 102,000 points, indicating a significant performance gap. However, the Mac Studio showcased impressive performance in programs that fully utilized its capabilities, such as GFX Bench, achieving a solid 485 frames per Second in the off-screen test.

Performance Comparison: 3D Rendering

For those involved in 3D rendering, it is important to consider the performance capabilities of the Mac Studio and the PC. With the latest version of Blender, the PC significantly outperformed the Mac Studio in the Party Tug rendering engine, completing the task in just 2.8 seconds compared to the Mac Studio's 4.5 seconds. Furthermore, when using the Cycles engine, the PC demonstrated remarkable speed with the RTX 3090, completing the rendering in just 15 seconds compared to the Mac Studio's 1 minute and 5 seconds.

Performance Comparison: Photo Editing

Photo editing enthusiasts often require a system that can handle the processing demands of high-resolution images. With a test using 42-megapixel RAW images with various effects applied, the PC took just 62 seconds to export them to JPEG format, showcasing its impressive speed. The Mac Studio, on the other hand, completed the task in 45 seconds, demonstrating its exceptional performance compared to previous Macs. Similarly, when tested with a panorama consisting of 50-megapixel RAW files, the Mac Studio completed the task in 34.5 seconds, surpassing the PC's 45.5 seconds.

Performance Comparison: Video Editing

Video editing requires a system that can handle intensive tasks such as denoising, stabilization, and exporting. In our tests, the PC with the RTX 3090 outperformed the Mac Studio in denoising tasks, achieving 19 to 20 frames per second compared to the Mac Studio's 11 to 12 frames per second. The PC's dedicated GPU capabilities provided a significant AdVantage in terms of performance. However, it is important to note that the Mac Studio excelled in other areas, such as smoothness of timeline and exporting, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless editing experience.

Final Verdict: Mac vs PC

Based on our comprehensive performance comparison, it is clear that both the Mac Studio and the custom-built PC have their strengths and weaknesses. The PC showcased superior performance in tasks such as 3D rendering and graphics-intensive tasks, making it an excellent choice for gamers and those involved in rendering. On the other hand, the Mac Studio demonstrated exceptional performance in coding, photo editing, and certain video editing tasks. Its compact and portable design also offers convenience to users on the go. Ultimately, the choice between Mac and PC depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Mac and PC

Mac Pros:

• Exceptional single-core performance
• Great for coding and photo editing
• Compact and portable design

Mac Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Software limitations for certain tasks
• Relatively high price tag

PC Pros:

• Superior performance in 3D rendering and gaming
• Extensive customization options
• More affordable compared to Macs with similar specifications

PC Cons:

• Potential compatibility issues with certain software
• Less optimized software compared to Mac ecosystem
• Larger form factor and less portability

Highlights

• The custom-built PC showcased impressive performance in speed and responsiveness tests.
• The Mac Studio's M1 Ultra processor demonstrated exceptional single-core performance.
• The PC outperformed the Mac Studio in multi-core tests, indicating its superiority in handling a variety of quick tasks.
• The PC's RTX 3090 GPU exhibited excellent graphics performance, especially in programs that fully utilized its capabilities.
• The PC showcased significant advantages in 3D rendering tasks, offering faster rendering times compared to the Mac Studio.
• The Mac Studio excelled in photo editing tasks, providing quick exports and efficient processing.
• The choice between Mac and PC ultimately depends on specific needs, with the PC being an ideal choice for gamers and the Mac Studio suitable for coding and photo editing enthusiasts.

FAQs

Q: Can I upgrade the hardware components in the Mac Studio? A: No, the Mac Studio has limited expandability and does not allow users to upgrade hardware components themselves.

Q: Can the Mac Studio run Windows software? A: Yes, the Mac Studio is capable of running Windows software through virtualization or using Boot Camp, although performance may vary.

Q: Is the Mac Studio suitable for gaming? A: While the Mac Studio can handle some games, it is not specifically designed for gaming. PC systems, with their more powerful GPUs, are generally better suited for gaming purposes.

Q: Which system is more cost-effective: Mac or PC? A: PC systems generally offer more affordable options compared to Macs with similar specifications. However, it is important to consider individual requirements and budget when making a purchasing decision.